Ex Cried as I Wed a Tycoon

"What's up with you, Maurice?" Effie asked cautiously.

Maurice looked at her. "Effie, aren't you going to explain why you ditched us that night and snuck off without saying a word?"

Effie blinked in surprise. "I didn't sneak off! I texted you, remember? You were all passed out-dead to the world after drinking so much. Was I supposed to wake everyone up one by one?"

Maurice gave a dismissive snort. "I told you not to get so lovestruck, but you never listen."

"I'm not lovestruck," Effie retorted. "He explained everything, and I believe him." Maurice shook his head. "Men say whatever they want to get out of trouble. Don't trust a single word they say-not even the punctuation."

Effie couldn't help but laugh. "By that logic, should I not believe a word you say, either?"

Maurice was momentarily at a loss for words. He shot her a look. "Must you always have the last word?"

Effie grinned. "Alright, alright, don't be mad. I know you're just looking out for me. But I know exactly what kind of person Lyman is."

She wasn't a child anymore, not after everything she'd been through. If anything, she was more sensitive than anyone else to these things.

She knew Lyman-better than anyone.

if anything ever happens, don't bottle it up. You

know, I promise.” Effie smiled. “Now, hurry up and try the escargot—they're

shook his head. "No way. That

just eat anything that's put in front

halfway

Maurice throwing

arrived with Mitchell and the

a reservation for

checked the system, her expression changing slightly. "I'm sorry, Miss Bagnold. You're here an hour earlier

do you mean?" Suzan's tone sharpened. booked the restaurant

available for my

give it to someone else—and not even notify

the hostess said, bowing slightly. "Unfortunately, we're fully booked right now, so

the others. They stayed silent, but Suzan caught a fleeting smirk in Teresa

on her, always making snide comments behind her back. Suzan just hadn't had the chance to

to Yvette while everyone's attention